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Considered one of the best city breaks in Europe, Porto is the perfect city for a short trip of a few days. However, how can you choose what to see in Porto in 3 days? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one with this problem. We’re here to help you. That’s why we chose a 3-day itinerary that encompasses what Porto has to offer, with the best and most exclusive experiences in the city. Are you ready?
Porto in 3 Days – Day 1 (Arrival)
After the trip, nothing is better than taking a nap at the hotel, right? Wrong! Check-in, leave your bags in the room and let’s go to the discovery.
Aliados Avenue
Obviously, you have to start your itinerary in the Aliados Avenue, the main artery of Porto. It is the heart of the city and even if your hotel is not close, it is easy to get there by metro, get out at the Trindade station. Walk down the avenue from the top, where the City Hall building is, until the end, where you will find our next suggestion.
A photo with the newspaper seller (Ardina)
At the end of Aliados Avenue, in Liberdade Square, you will find the famous statue of the Ardina, which pays homage to this ancient and traditional profession. It’s the perfect spot for a group photo, to put on social networks and make a success with your friends and family.
Clérigos Tower
Continuing downtown and not far from the Aliados Avenue, you will reach Clérigos Tower, the ex-libris of the city of Porto. The silhouette of the tower marks the city’s skyline and it is impossible not to find it. Do not miss the opportunity to climb to the top, because you will have the best view of all Porto, from the centre to the Douro River.
Bookstore Lello & Irmão
The historic Lello & Irmão bookstore, with its Art Nouveau decor and an imposing spiral staircase which has even influenced the writer JK Rowling to create one of the spaces of her famous Harry Potter books.
Carmo Church
Nearby, you can visit Carmo Church, one of the many churches that exists in Porto, a city with a great religious tradition. The interior is impressive, but the side of it, lined with typical Portuguese tiles, is one of the most beautiful ones in all of downtown Porto.
Lunch
Enjoy your lunch at one of the many cafes restaurants in downtown Porto (we recommend Guarany). Several of them have inexpensive meals, with typical food, very tasty and freshly made.
São Bento railway station
Why are we recommending a train station? Because it is one of the must-see places to visit in Porto, its architecture of French influence and the imposing panels of tiles, certainly deserve your visit.
Porto Cathedral
Of all the churches in Porto, the Sé Cathedral is the one that deserves more respect for its size. Even those people, who are not Catholic or have no interest in religious architecture, should not ignore the Cathedral.
D. Luís I Bridge
From downtown, go down to Ribeira, the typical neighborhood of the city next to the Douro River. Here you will find the second architectural landmark of the city, the iron bridge of D. Luis I.
Cable car
When crossing the D. Luís I bridge, you will be in Vila Nova de Gaia city. Then it’s time to catch the cable car. There is no better way to cross the riverside area of the city and see, from the top, the Douro River and the city of Porto on the other bank.
Caves and Marginal of Gaia
It is here, in the riverside area of Vila Nova de Gaia, that the cellars of the famous Port Wine are found. Walk along the banks of the river, take pictures with the rabelos boats in the background and visit one of the cellars. They all have guided tours and end with a wine tasting of the best wine in the world!
Dinner in Ribeira
To end the day, nothing better than a relaxing dinner in Ribeira. Here you will find several picturesque restaurants, which combine tradition and modernity, all with a view of the River Douro.
